Content
Part 1. Information About Applying for China Visa
Please read this guidance carefully before submitting your application.
1. The Chinese Diplomatic and Consular Missions in New Zealand reserve the right to interpret, amend and change the Chinese Visa requirements in accordance with the laws and regulations of the People's Republic of China. We also reserve the right to review, delay, refuse and cancel your visa without providing specific reasons. Visa validity, duration of stay, and number of entries are determined on an individual basis. Chinese Diplomatic and Consular Missions in New Zealand are not liable for any financial losses as resulting from any above scenario.
You are fully responsible and liable if your visa become invalid or unused due to change of personal or unforeseen circumstances. The Chinese diplomatic missions in New Zealand shall not refund for any visa application fees.
2. Effective from 23 October 2023, the Chinese Diplomatic and Consular Missions in New Zealand will no longer require appointment for visa submission.
1) All applicants, including diplomats, government officials, but excluding visa applications for Hong Kong SAR of China and Macao SAR of China, are required to access and complete China Visa Application Form through China Online Visa Application website (cova.mfa.gov.cn). Failure to provide accurate and complete information may result in the rejection of the application or denial of entry into China.
2) Upon completion of the online form, applicants are advised to print out all forms and submit their application to the Chinese Embassy in New Zealand on any subsequent working days, and fingerprint will be collected during the visit. There is no prerequisite for an appointment.
3) For individuals holding diplomatic and official passports, members of official delegations, or those applying for diplomatic, official, or courtesy visas, the procedures remain consistent and unchanged.
3. All applicants are required to have fingerprints collected, and the following applicants are exempted from collecting fingerprints:
1) Applicants who under the age of 14 or over 70;
2) Diplomatic passport holders, or applicants who are eligible for diplomatic, official, and courtesy visas;
3) Applicants holding the same passport with fingerprints collected within 5 years. (The exemption will only be granted when the biometric sticker visa is still identifiable. Otherwise, the exemption will only be granted at the consular office where the fingerprints were originally collected.);
4) Applicants with all ten fingers mutilated or all ten fingerprints uncollectible;
5) Between 10 August and 31 December 2023, eligible applicants applying for single or double-entry visas under the categories of business, tourism, short-term family visit, transit, and crew membership are exempt from the fingerprint collection requirement.
4. For New Zealand born children with Chinese descent when travelling to China for the first time:
1) A child born in New Zealand is a New Zealand citizen by birth or has other citizenship by descent, and at the time of child's birth, one of the child's parents is Chinese citizen holding New Zealand Permanent Reside Visa or have permanent residency of other countries, the child is not a Chinese citizen by birth, and the child is required to apply for a Chinese Visa. Please refer to Apply for Chinese Visa for New Zealand-born Children of Chinese descent with New Zealand Citizenship.
2) A child born in New Zealand is a New Zealand citizen by birth or has other citizenship by descent, and at the time of child's birth, both parents are Chinese citizen who do not hold New Zealand Permanent Resident Visa or have permanent residency of other countries, the child is a Chinese citizen by birth, and the child is eligible to apply for a Chinese Travel Document. Please refer to "How to apply for a Chinese travel document", and submit your application via Chinese Consul App.
3) A child born in New Zealand is not a New Zealand citizen by birth, nor has other citizenship by descent, and at the time of child's birth, one of the child's parents is Chinese citizen, the child is a Chinese citizen by birth, and the child is eligible to apply for a Chinese passport. Please refer to "How to apply for a Chinese passport", and submit your application via Chinese Consul App.
5. You may not change or withdraw your visa applications once they have been accepted for processing. Any supporting documents your provided will not be returned and please make additional copies if you wish to keep them.
6. It normally takes 4 working days to process visa applications. If you are asked to provide further documents or certain documents need to be verified, we’ll get in touch with you regarding the timeline. In urgent situations, you can opt for our express processing service, but it requires the approval of a consular officer.
7. Following the announcement of cancellation of visa submission appointment requirement, we're implementing measures to avoid overcrowding in our office and ensure efficient processing, we require all visas and passports to be returned by courier. Please bring a prepaid, self-addressed courier pack when submit your applications.
Upon the granting of your visa, you will receive an email detailing the procedures for visa fee payment. Please check your email promptly and make the payment through online banking. Once we confirm the payment, passport will be returned via courier. If you request expedited processing or booked a travel to China within two weeks after submitting the application, please inform the staff on-site when you submit the application, so arrangements can be made for you to pick up your documents at the office.
8. Please be aware of that the Chinese diplomatic missions in New Zealand have never built-up partnership with any agencies, nor have given authorisation to any agencies to be the official visa agencies, we do not recommend an agency you can use, and we treat all applicants equally, and no individuals or agencies have received any special treatment or exceptions for their visa applications.
Part 2. Visa Category and Required Documents
- Visa Category
2. Basic documents
1) Passport. Original passport with at least six months of remaining validity and blank visa pages, and a photocopy of bio-data page of your passport.
2) Photo. Must be a recent coloured ID photo, facing forward and with light coloured background, and bareheaded. (Click here to check the photo requirement).
3) Proof of legal stay or residence status (applicable to those not applying for China visa in their country of citizenship). For non-New Zealand passport holder, when you apply for your China visa in New Zealand, you must provide the original and photocopy of evidence of your immigration status in New Zealand, such as citizen endorsement, residence, work or student visa.
4) Photocopy of previous Chinese passports or previous China visas (applicable to foreign citizens those who were Chinese citizens and have obtained foreign citizenship). If you are applying for a China visa for the first time, you should provide your previous Chinese passport and a photocopy of its data page. If you have obtained China visas before and want to apply for a China visa with a renewed foreign passport that does not contain any China visa labels, you should present a photocopy of the previous passport's data page and the page with your photo if it is separate, as well as the pages with your previous China visa. (If your name on the current passport differs from that on the previous one, you must provide an official document of name change.)
3. Supporting Documents Based on Visa Category and Purpose of Travel
C-Visa
A letter of guarantee issued by a foreign transport company or an invitation letter issued by a relevant entity in China
D-Visa
The original and photocopy of the Confirmation Form for Foreigners Permanent Residence Status issued by the Ministry of Public Security of China.
F-Visa
An invitation letter issued by a relevant entity or individual in China. The invitation should contain:
1) Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, passport number, etc.).
2) Information on the planned visit (the purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, relations between the applicant and the inviting entity or individual, financial source for expenditures).
3) Information on the inviting entity or individual (name, contact telephone number, address, official stamp, a signature of the legal representative or the inviting individual).
Please Note:
A faxed copy, scanned copy or photocopy of letter of invitation are acceptable. Please make sure the letter of invitation is clear and easy to read. We may require the original documents.
G-Visa
An onward air (train or ship) ticket with confirmed date and seat to the destination country or region.
J1-Visa
Visa Notification Letter issued by the Information Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China and an official letter issued by the media organization for which the journalist works.
Applicants should contact the press section of the Chinese Embassy/Consulate General in advance or and complete relevant formalities.
J2-Visa
Visa Notification Letter issued by the Information Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China or other authorized units in China and an official letter issued by the media organization for which the journalist works.
Applicants should contact the press section of the Chinese Embassy/Consulate General in advance and complete the required formalities.
L-Visa
Documents showing the itinerary including air ticket booking record (round trip) and proof of a hotel reservation, etc. or an invitation letter issued by a relevant entity or individual in China. The invitation letter should contain:
1) Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, passport number, etc.).
2) Information on the planned visit (arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, etc.).
3) Information on the inviting entity or individual (name, contact telephone number, address, official stamp, a signature of the legal representative or the inviting individual).
4) Photocopies of both sides of Chinese ID of the inviting individual or foreign passport and permanent residence permit.
Please Note:
A faxed copy, scanned copy or photocopy of letter of invitation are acceptable. Please make sure the letter of invitation is clear and easy to read. We may require the original documents.
M-Visa
Documents on the commercial activity issued by a trade partner in China, or trade fair invitation or other invitation letters issued by a relevant entity or individual. The invitation letter should contain:
1) Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, passport number, etc.).
2) Information on the planned visit (the purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, relations between the applicant and the inviting entity or individual, financial source for expenditures).
3) Information on the inviting entity or individual (name, contact telephone number, address, official stamp, a signature of the legal representative or the inviting individual).
Please Note:
A faxed copy, scanned copy or photocopy of letter of invitation are acceptable. Please make sure the letter of invitation is clear and easy to read. We may require the original documents.
Q1-Visa
For family reunion, the following documents are required:
1) An invitation letter issued by a Chinese citizen or a foreign citizen with a Chinese permanent residence permit who lives in China. The invitation letter should contain:
a) Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, passport number, etc.).
b) Information on the visit (a purpose of visit, intended arrival date, place(s) of intended residence, intended duration of residence, arrival and departure dates, relations between the applicant and the inviting entity or individual, financial source for expenditures).
c) Information on the inviting individual (name, contact telephone number, address, official stamp, a signature of the legal representative or the inviting individual, etc.).
2) Photocopies of both sides of Chinese ID of the inviting individual or foreign passport and permanent residence permit.
3) Original and photocopy of certification (marriage certificate, birth certificate, certification of kinship issued by Public Security Bureau or notarized certification of kinship) showing the relationship of family members between the applicant and inviting individual.
"Family members" refers to spouses, parents, sons, daughters, spouses of sons or daughters, brothers, sisters, grandparents, grandsons, granddaughters and parents-in-law.
For foster care, the following documents are required:
1) Foster entrustment notarisation issued by Chinese Embassies/Consulates General in foreign countries or Foster Care Power of Attorney notarized and authenticated in the country of residence or in China.
2) Original and photocopy of the consignor's passport(s), as well as the original and photocopy of certification (marriage certificate, birth certificate, certification of kinship issued by Public Security Bureau or notarized certification of kinship) notarized and authenticated certification showing the relationship between parents or guardians and children.
3) A letter of consent on foster care issued by the trustee living in China who has agreed to provide foster care services and a photocopy of the ID of the trustee.
4) A photocopy of the certificate indicating the permanent residence status abroad of the parent(s) when the child was born, provided that either or both parents of the child are Chinese citizens.
Please Note:
A faxed copy, scanned copy or photocopy of letter of invitation are acceptable. Please make sure the letter of invitation is clear and easy to read. We may require the original documents.
Q2-Visa
1) An invitation letter issued by a Chinese citizen or a foreign citizen with a Chinese permanent residence permit who lives in China. The invitation letter should contain:
a) Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, passport number, etc.).
b) Information on the visit (the purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, relations between the applicant and the inviting individual, financial source for expenditures).
c) Information on the inviting individual (name, contact number, address, signature etc.).
2) Photocopies of both sides of Chinese ID or foreign passport and permanent residence permit of the inviting individual.
Please Note:
A faxed copy, scanned copy or photocopy of letter of invitation are acceptable. Please make sure the letter of invitation is clear and easy to read. We may require the original documents.
R-Visa
The applicant should submit the relevant certification in accordance with the relevant regulations, and meet the relevant requirements of the competent authorities of the Chinese government on high-level talents and individual with special skills urgently needed by China,
S1-Visa
1) An invitation letter from the inviting individual (a foreigner who stays or resides in China for work or studies) which contains:
a) Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, passport number, etc.).
b) Information on the visit (the purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place of intended residence, relations between the applicant and the inviting individual, financial source for expenditures, etc.).
c) Information on the inviting individual (name, contact telephone number, address, signature, etc.).
2) A photocopy of the inviting individual's passport and residence permit
3) Original and photocopy of certification (marriage certificate, birth certificate, certification of kinship issued by Public Security Bureau or notarized certification of kinship) showing the relationship of immediate family members between applicants and inviting individual.
"Immediate family members" refers to spouses, parents, sons or daughters under the age of 18 and parents-in-law.
Please Note:
A faxed copy, scanned copy or photocopy of letter of invitation are acceptable. Please make sure the letter of invitation is clear and easy to read. We may require the original documents.
S2-Visa
For visiting family members for a short period, the following documents are required:
1) An invitation letter issued by the inviting individual (a foreigner who stays or resides in China for work or studies) which contains:
a) Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, passport number, etc.).
b) Information on the visit (the purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, relations between the applicant and the inviting individual, financial source for expenditures, etc.).
c) Information on the inviting individual (name, contact telephone number, address, signature, etc.)
2) A photocopy of the inviting individual's (a foreigner who stays or lives in China for work or studies) passport and residence permit.
3) Photocopy of certification (marriage certificate, birth certificate or notarized certification of kinship) showing the relationship of family members between the applicant and the inviting individual.
"Family members" refers to spouses, parents, sons, daughters, spouses of sons or daughters, brothers, sisters, grandparents, grandsons, granddaughters and parents-in-law.
For private affairs, documentation identifying the nature of the private affairs should be provided as required by the consular officer.
Please Note:
A faxed copy, scanned copy or photocopy of letter of invitation are acceptable. Please make sure the letter of invitation is clear and easy to read. We may require the original documents.
X1-Visa
1) Original and photocopy of the Admission Letter issued by a school or other entities in China.
2) Original and photocopy of "Visa Application for Study in China" (Form JW201 or Form JW202).
X2-Visa
Original and photocopy of Admission Notice issued by a school or other entities in China.
Z-Visa
One of the following documents:
1) Foreigners Employment Permit of the People's Republic of China issued by Chinese government authorities for Human Resources and Social Security; if your intended work period is 90 days or less, you need to provide an Approval of Short-Term Employment for Foreigners Working in P.R. China. You must apply for your visa before the commencing work date indicated on the Approval and you will be allowed to work only within the period of time indicated in the Approval.
2) Original Permit for Foreign Experts Working in China or Notification Letter of Foreigners Work Permit in China issued by the State Bureau of Foreign Experts.
3) Copy of Registration Certificate of Resident Representative Offices of enterprises of foreign countries(regions) issued by Chinese authorities of industrial and commercial administration.
4) An approval document for commercial performance (original) issued by Chinese government authority for Cultural Affairs (only applicable to applicants for commercial performances in mainland China) and Approval of Short-Term Employment for Foreigners Working in P.R. China, applicants must submit visa applications before the commence date shown on Approval of Short-Term Employment for Foreigners Working in P.R. China, and shall not work more than the period of time shown on the approval letter.
5) Letter of Invitation to Foreigners for Offshore Petroleum Operations in China issued by China National Offshore Oil Corporation.
Part 3 Visa Application Processes
- Complete China Online Visa Application Form
- Submit Visa Application and Fingerprints Collection
- Payment and Passport Collection
1. Please complete your China Online Visa Application Form through the China Online Visa Application website (cova.mfa.gov.cn). All applicants are required to complete the online application form, including diplomats, government officials, but excluding visa applications for Hong Kong SAR of China and Macao SAR of China.
Please Note:
1) Your application will be declined, or you can be refused entry permission to China if you provided inaccurate, false, or misleading information.
2) You must upload an ID photo of yourself, and it must meet the visa photo requirement (Click here to check the photo requirement). Your application will be declined if you uploaded a photo of someone else. You will have to complete the online application and upload your own ID photo which meet the photo requirements.
3) Applicant who was born in China (including Hong Kong SAR, Macao SAR, and Taiwan Province), you must enter your name in Chinese characters, if applicable.
2. Print out Visa Application Form of the People's Republic of China and Confirmation of Online Visa Application.
Once you have completed China Online Visa Application Form, you must also print all pages of Visa Application form of the People's Republic of China and Confirmation of Online Visa Application which generated automatically.
Please Note:
Applicant must sign at both "Applicant's Signature" on the printout of Confirmation of Online Visa Application and Visa Application form of the People's Republic of China. If someone assisted you in completing the application, the person who provided the assistance must also sign at "Signature" on the section 9 of Visa Application form of the People's Republic of China. Signatures must be a wet signature, we do not accept faxed, scanned, photocopied, and electronic signatures.
B.1 Applicant to submit in person
B.2 Application submit via courier or post
B.1 Applicant to submit in person
1. Applicant to submit application to the office in person, and have fingerprint collected. Please note that the following applicants are exempted from collecting fingerprints:
1) Applicants who under the age of 14 or over 70;
2) Diplomatic passport holders, or applicants who are eligible for diplomatic, official and courtesy visas;
3) Applicants holding the same passport with fingerprints collected within 5 years. (The exemption will only be granted when the biometric sticker visa is still identifiable. Otherwise, the exemption will only be granted at the consular office where the fingerprints were originally collected.);
4) Applicants with all ten fingers mutilated or all ten fingerprints uncollectible;
5) Between 10 August and 31 December 2023, eligible applicants applying for single or double-entry visas under the categories of business, tourism, short-term family visit, transit, and crew membership are exempt from the fingerprint collection requirement.
2. Please bring the following documents for your appointment:
1) Visa application form of the People's Republic of China;
2) Confirmation of Online Visa Application;
3) Original passport and photocopy of the bio-data page;
4) One paper-based photo;
5) Original or photocopy of supporting documents. (Click to check "Supporting document for visa application")
6) Prepaid envelope or courier package. Please make sure you have written the recipient's name, address and telephone numbers on the package;
7) Please make the payment via Internet banking as per instruction, make sure you have entered all required information and correct amount when paying your fee. (Click to find out information about "Fees, Processing time and Payment methods")
Please Note:
1) Applicant must submit applications to the corresponding consular office of the Embassy or Consulate-General in New Zealand in accordance with consular district jurisdiction of the applicant's residential address in New Zealand.
Application may be declined to process if received from areas outside consular district jurisdiction.
2) A pickup slip will be provided once your application has been accepted for processing and please keep the pickup slip in a safe place. You must present your pickup slip at the time of collection.
B.2 Application submit via courier or post
(Exclusive to applicants within the consular jurisdiction of the Chinese Embassy in New Zealand who are exempt from fingerprint collection)
1. Applicants exempt from fingerprint collection may submit their applications through post or courier service. Applications from areas beyond the consular jurisdiction of the Chinese Embassy in New Zealand may be rejected to process.
2. Please include the following documents when sending your application:
1) Visa application form of the People's Republic of China (remember to sign);
2) Confirmation of Online Visa Application (remember to sign);
3) Original passport and photocopy of the bio-data page;
4) One paper-based ID photo;
5) Original or photocopy of supporting documents; (Click to check "Visa Category and Required Document for Visa Application")
6) Prepaid envelope or courier package. Please make sure you have written the recipient's name, address and telephone numbers on the package.
3.Postal Address for Visa Application Submit to the Chinese Embassy in New Zealand (Wellington)
Consular Section
Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in New Zealand
14 Hill Street, Thorndon
Wellington 6011
Please Note:
1) Passport is a valuable personal item, we strongly recommend you using courier delivery which provides tracking service, such as NZ Post, Courier Post, and NZ Couriers. Sending applications via regular mail is not recommended.
2) The Chinese Embassy in New Zealand will not be responsible for any loss, damage to your passports and documents, or delays caused by the post or courier.
3) Application fee can only be made via internet banking. We will send you an email containing payment details once your applications have been accepted for processing. When making the payment online, please make sure to follow the instructions included in the email.
4) We do not accept applications sent by post or courier for expedited visa application processing. Your application will be processed within the standard processing timeframe.
C. Payment and Passport Collection
1. Following the announcement of cancellation of visa submission appointment requirement, we're implementing measures to avoid overcrowding in our office and ensure efficient processing, we require all visas and passports to be returned by courier. Please bring a prepaid, self-addressed courier pack when submit your applications.
Upon the granting of your visa, you will receive an email detailing the procedures for visa fee payment. Please check your email promptly and make the payment through online banking. Once we confirm the payment, passport will be returned via courier.
2. If you request expedited processing or booked a travel to China within two weeks after submitting the application, please inform the staff on-site when you submit the application, so arrangements can be made for you to pick up your documents at the office.
Upon submitting your application in person at our office, you will receive a pick-up slip. Please ensure that you have your pick-up slip ready when you come to collect your passport and make the visa fee payment at the counter. In cases where the applicant cannot personally collect the passport, authorization can be given to someone else for collection. The authorized individual must also present the pick-up slip during collection and make the visa fee payment.
Please click here for Fees, Processing Time and Payment Methods.
Please note:
1. Expedited visa service is unavailable for application submit via courier or post, or visa and passport need to be returned by courier or post. It normally takes 4 working days to complete provided it meets the necessary criteria, and we will arrange courier service to collect and return the documents.
2. Passport is a valuable personal item, we strongly recommend you using courier delivery which provides tracking service, such as NZ Post, Courier Post, and NZ Couriers. Sending applications via regular mail is not recommended.
3. The Chinese Embassy in New Zealand will not be responsible for any loss, damage to your passports and documents, or delays caused by the post or courier.
Part 4. Fees, Processing Time and Payment Methods
Table of visa fee and processing time
(All fees accepted in New Zealand dollar, per person)
Visa fee waiver countries based on bilateral agreements.
(Last update on 1 November 2017)
Payment Methods
1. Internet banking. Upon the granting of your visa, you will receive an email detailing the procedures for visa fee payment.
The payment methods below can only be used at the counter.
2. Credit card (Visa and MasterCard)
3. EFTPOS
4. UnionPay (Credit card, Debit card, QuickPass)
5. WeChat Pay
6. AliPay